Port of Benicarló (Castellón, Valencian Community)

Benicarló

Castellón-Castelló

Benicarló, an important fishing port and tourist centre in Costa del Azahar, has a long beach, and a historic quarter filled with remarkable examples of stately architecture.

Benicarló's origins go back to the Middle Ages, when it was a little Arab town. Its original urban layout has reached our days intact, with many of its houses exhibiting their coats of arms. At the heart of the village we find the church of Sant Bertomeu, a Baroque temple with a beautiful carved-stone façade, and spiral columns. In the interior we can visit the Parish Museum, which exhibits interesting Gothic artwork. On a nearby hill stands the hermitage of Sant Gregori, the scene of a popular pilgrimage every May 9th. Benicarló's seafaring tradition can be witnessed at its active fishing port, next to which we have a beach that stretches into the neighbouring town of Peñíscola, doubtlessly one of the main attractions of the city. We should also remember this place has a long farming tradition, specially orange and artichoke.